Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)

Some people make excuses to step outside their comfort zones or, in some cases, express their true selves; they drink too much, they deprive themselves of sleep, they go temporarily “insane.” I wish you didn’t need that kind of excuse, but you might, still. You know where you want to go. If you don’t quite have the guts to go there without getting shit-faced, so be it. It’s better that you end up there, no matter the route you take. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find the liquid courage less and less necessary to make return trips. One day you’ll be able to do it without the excuse of being “out of control.” That day is closer than you think, but it’s not today. You might still need a little help. If I were you, I’d take it.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but it sure can help clear the path to it. Similarly, poverty doesn’t forbid serenity, but it does present obstacles. Re-evaluating the relationship between your economic and emotional status is this week’s challenge. Don’t make the mistake of embracing the delusion that they aren’t related, because of course they are. However, they aren’t rigidly connected. Being poor doesn’t mean you have to be miserable—it just makes it somewhat more likely. Of course you’re perfectly capable of experiencing a joyful existence regardless of your finances—but the first step to doing so is to see both (and their impact on each other) as clearly as you can.

Taurus (April 20–May 20)

What fuels conspiracy theorists is that even though many or most of their theories are probably wrong, things do get hidden or lied about. Granted, they’re not usually the things they think are being covered up, but they’re onto something. So are you. Your suspicions aren’t unfounded, but they’re also way off base. I don’t want you to start doubting your gut—but brutally questioning it may be the order of the week. You need to get to the bottom of why you feel the way you do, and your initial theories are embarrassingly wrong. The right ones are out there, though. Keep at it until you’ve found them.

Gemini (May 21–June 20)

A banana is an example of genius design. Attractively packaged in an appealingly bright, biodegradable wrapper, it’s hard not to like or appreciate. If a human had invented the banana, she would win every design award there is. Of course nature has always been a brilliant designer; in fact, most good design is to some extent based on or inspired by something found in the natural world. Your own designs, whether actual, emotional, or philosophical, are way overworked. You’re trying to reinvent the wheel, and it’s not working out too well. Think about a banana. Keep things simple. Pare them down to something you can peel, eat, and throw away without a second thought.

Cancer (June 21–July 22)

If you can’t appreciate gray, gloomy days in their own right, at least acknowledge the way they make gorgeous, sunny days all that much sweeter. If every day were perfect, you’d stop noticing them altogether, and all that sunshine would bring you no pleasure. This week, pay special attention to the contrasts in your life—especially to the unpleasant ones. Be grateful for them, not resentful. They’re what’s making your life as good as it is, not dragging it down, as you naively believe. Light’s nothing without a good shadow. This week, love the shadow as much as you love the light.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)

For people who struggle with feelings of worthlessness or inconsequentiality, just figuring out that they matter is enough. You, however, already know you matter. You know your actions have consequences that ripple out in all directions. You need to hold yourself to a higher standard. It’s that old saw about responsibility coming with power. Everything you do will have both negative and positive consequences; making sure that the bulk of those ripples add to the sum of joy and satisfaction of the people around you, though, is very, very important to your long-term happiness. Make sure it adds up that way—and if it doesn’t, make some changes so it will.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

You’re allowed to take breaks, you know. If you don’t, you’ll probably burn out. I know you pride yourself on your consistency and reliability, but the deeper implications of those qualities require that you prepare yourself for the long haul—this usually involves a periodic vacation or two to keep you recharged and raring to go. If you haven’t taken one in a while, consider doing so this week, or in the next couple. No one will be too vexed by your absence, and everyone will appreciate the new vim and vigor you bring to the scene when you get back.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

It’s always sad when something good ends. But clinging to it isn’t the answer. Not only would keeping it around past its time preclude anything new from coming into your life (every ending is a beginning, remember), but it would also probably stop being good. Don’t hang onto something until it starts to suck. It’s much better to let it go while you still love it, and while it can gracefully take leave, to be remembered fondly (if a little sadly). That bittersweet feeling is one of the best. Clinging, however, will just leave you bitter. As a feeling, that one’s not quite so good.

Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

Go ahead and bury your treasure if you feel like you need to to keep it safe. But hell, make a map. It’d be an awful shame if no one ever found that trove of booty and wealth. Make the map confusing, coded, and obscure if you must, but make the damn map. There’s someone out there determined and dogged enough to figure the thing out and track down where you’ve hidden the goods. Let’s face it, you want that shit to be found—just not by simply anyone. So hide it, but not so deeply that even you might have trouble digging it up again.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

Because of who you are, you may find yourself mediating between people with seriously conflicting viewpoints. Your first instinct may be to try to find some kind of common ground and get them to appreciate their similarities, but it’ll never work. That’s the melting-pot scenario—and what you get out of a melting pot is an unappealingly monotone sludge. You need to focus a spotlight on people’s differences, not obscure them. Hiding or softening them is just about the worst thing you could do right now—because then they’d never learn to appreciate, and eventually celebrate, them.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Much of life is about figuring out when to let go of something and when to hang onto (or even fight for) it. Many of our worst moments arise from guessing incorrectly about which to do when. This time, though, you know. Your gut knows. Don’t talk yourself into doing something different from what your instincts advise. Ignore the busy, chattering part of your brain, if necessary. If you find yourself rehearsing extensive rationalizations for your actions, you’re on the wrong track. The “right” answer here is short, simple, and sharp. Being harsh doesn’t make it wrong.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

You’ll encounter bullies throughout your life. Just like those found in the schoolyard, most of them are unaccustomed to people standing up to them. That’s why, of course, you should. Watch out, though. Adult bullies are much harder to thwart than the kid variety—they’ve had more practice and use more complex and insidious strategies. However, at heart they’re still cowards, and won’t put up much of a fight once they know they’re outmatched. Let me be explicit: You’re eminently capable of out-thinking any bully you’re apt to encounter in the coming weeks. Don’t doubt yourself—be resourceful, persistent, and determined. Don’t stop until you’ve turned the tables and made them rethink their lame tyrannical ways. You can.